JON Macken scored a vital fifth goal of the campaign to secure Preston three points at struggling Sheffield Wednesday.

The transfer-listed frontman grabbed the winner 12 minutes from time - and made it four goals in four matches - as North End made it just one loss in five games as they bid to climb up the table

"We've been on a decent run and if we hadn't lost to Crewe on Saturday it would have been even better," said boss David Moyes.

"This was one of our poorest performances of late but we got three points.

"I was pleased we've won but I don't think it was a great game of football and it was a scrap. Sheffield Wednesday made it difficult for us."

The Owls suffered their seventh league loss of the season despite opening the scoring with a powerful downward header from Dutch striker Gerald Sibon on 26 minutes.

Midfielder Mark Rankine made it two goals in two games, equalising just after the break when he prodded the ball home for North End.

And then up stepped Macken to score the crucial winner as Peter Shreeves' side left the field to a chorus of boos..

The Wednesday boss said: "I always say the big test is when you have made mistakes and the crowd are howlign.

"But I felt one or two of the lads looked for the shadows and we ran out of ideas and I can't keep making excuses for them."

RESULT: SHEFFIELD W...1 PRESTON...2

North End face Manchester City on Sunday at Deepdale.